Birmingham Boss Not Einstein

With the departures of Kenny Cunningham, Mario Melchiot, Jamie Clapham and Stan Lazaridis, not to mention the injury to Matthew Upson, Steve Bruce has told Colin Tattum of the Birmingham Mail that 'You haven't got to be Einstein to work out where we need players in.'

Explaining:

'We need a couple of defenders at least.'

The Blues have already agreed that they will be looking at younger players as part of a new policy to mount an attempt to return to the Premiership at the first asking. With the expected arrival of Cameron Jerome and the link to Colchester's young midfielder Neil Danns the re-building has already started, now Bruce says he has to 'get the blend right'.

Adding: 'If you can get good experience and good pros in those positions, it's vital. We had Steve Vickers and Jeff Kenna in our defence last time at this level and they made major contributions to getting us promoted. We've got Mat Sadler, Marcos Painter and Alex Bruce, all of whom have done well in difficult circumstances this season. But we need some experience to help them.'

He also has another striker on his wish list, along with a midfielder capable of scoring. 'We need at least four or five new players, right the way through us.'